Increase in Cryptosporidiosis Cases Prompt Public Health Agencies to Declare Community Outbreak, 8.11.2016
Press
Release
August 11,
2016
Contacts:
Jose
Rodriguez, Columbus Public Health, 614-604-5025, [email protected]
Mitzi Kline,
Franklin County Public Health, 614-525-3028, [email protected]
Traci
Whittaker, Delaware General Health District, 740-203-2085, [email protected]
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Increase in Cryptosporidiosis Cases Prompt Public Health
Agencies to Declare Community Outbreak
Simple
Safety Steps Can Help Prevent Infections
While public
health regularly see cases of cryptosporidiosis -- commonly known as
Cryptosporidium
or crypto -- there has been a recent rise over the normal threshold of cases
across several jurisdictions in central Ohio, including Columbus, Franklin
County and Delaware County.
The three
jurisdictions have reported more than 93 cases so far this year, which is more
than the last three years combined. This outbreak is not tied to any one
location. A large portion of the cases include people with multiple
exposures at various recreational water facilities throughout the three
jurisdictions.
With a recent
recreational water facility reporting illnesses from crypto and an overall
increase of cases in our communities, public health officials are calling for
safety measures residents can take to reduce the spread of the illness.
When heading
to a spray fountain, pool or water park:
- Do
not swim when you have diarrhea and for two weeks after you recovered.
- Do
not pee or poop in the water.
- Take
a shower/bathe before going in the water.
- Wash
hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers and
before eating.
- Change
diapers in a bathroom and not by the pool.
- Take
kids on frequent bathroom breaks and check diapers often.
- Avoid
swallowing any water and keep it out of your mouth.
Crypto is a
germ that causes diarrhea. It is found in the fecal matter of a person
who has been infected by crypto. It is spread by swallowing water that
has been contaminated with fecal matter containing crypto. It can
also be spread from human-to-human contact.
Symptoms
include watery diarrhea with abdominal pain and cramping, which can be
accompanied by dehydration, weight loss, fever, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms
can last for two weeks, with improvement often followed by recurrence. Infected
persons can continue to spread the disease for several weeks after diarrhea
subsides, so they should avoid activities involving recreational waters for at
least two weeks after diarrhea subsides and practice diligent handwashing.
For more
information, visit Columbus
Public Health, Delaware General
Health District, or Franklin County Public
Health or on Facebook – Twitter.
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